Homemade Cherry Mulled Wine Recipe (2024)

Today we’ve got something super cozy for you – our Cherry Mulled Wine recipe. It’s perfect if it’s cold outside, you’re chilling at home, or maybe you’ve just got some chill tunes playing or a favorite movie on. This recipe is all about those vibes.

It’s an awesome twist on a typical mulled wine recipe because of the sweet cherry kick that seriously changes the game. It’s super easy and the kind of warm, comforting drink that makes winter enjoyable. Let’s get into it and warm things up a bit!

🍒 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cherry Mulled Wine Recipe

Festive and Flavorful: Combines traditional mulled wine with a sweet cherry twist.
Aromatic Winter Spices: The scent of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Unique Cherry Addition: The cherries add a delightful depth and natural sweetness.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Ideal for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, or just a snug night by the fire.

🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Components:

Red Wine (750 ml): A full-bodied wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works best.
Cherry Juice (1 cup): For a fruity, sweet note.
Brandy or Rum (1/4 cup): Adds a robust depth.

Sweetening Agents:

Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Offers a rich sweetness.
Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a unique, smooth flavor.

Citrus and Fruits:

Orange (1 large): Sliced into rounds for a citrusy zest.
Cherries (1 cup): Fresh or frozen, pitted.

Spices:

Cinnamon Sticks (2): For a warm, spicy aroma.
Star Anise (3 pieces): Adds a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
Cloves (12 whole): For a bold, spicy kick.
Fresh Ginger (1 thumb-sized piece): Sliced for a zesty tang.
Cardamom Pods (4): Slightly crushed, for an exotic spice note.

Unique Add-Ins:

Vanilla Bean (1 pod): Split and scraped for a creamy, sweet essence.
Black Peppercorns (1 teaspoon): For a subtle, unexpected warmth.

📝 Step-by-Step Brewing Process

Preparing the Base:

Warm the Wine and Cherry Juice: In a large pot, gently heat the wine and cherry juice. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors intact.
Sweeten: Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until fully dissolved.

Adding Fruits and Spices:

Citrus and Cherries: Add the orange slices and cherries to the pot.
Spice Infusion: Introduce cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, ginger slices, cardamom pods, and the vanilla bean to the mix.
Peppercorn: Sprinkle in the black peppercorns for a subtle spicy note.

The Final Touch:

Add the Spirits: Stir in your choice of brandy or rum for an extra layer of complexity.
Simmer to Perfection: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to combine beautifully.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Mulled Wine

Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the wine and cherry juice, the better the mulled wine.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or spice levels. Add more cherry juice for extra sweetness or more spices for a stronger flavor.
Don’t Rush It: Allow enough time for the wine to simmer gently; this is key to developing the flavors.
Serve Warm: Always serve cherry mulled wine warm to enjoy its full aromatic potential.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Cherry Mulled Wine is a standalone star but pairs wonderfully with winter treats.

Serve it alongside gingerbread cookies, dark chocolate, or a cheese platter.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with grape juice and omit the spirits.

🌟 Variations to Try

Add Pomegranate Juice: For an additional layer of fruity flavor.
Honey Instead of Maple Syrup: For a different type of sweetness.
Cranberries: Add a handful for a tart, festive twist.

❓ Common Questions

Can I Use White Wine for This Recipe?

Yes, though it will create a lighter, fruitier mulled wine.

What Wine is Good for Mulled Wine?

Opt for a full-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re robust enough to complement the spices and cherry flavors.

Does Mulling Wine Remove Alcohol?

Mulling wine over low heat doesn’t completely remove the alcohol, but some of it may evaporate. To retain most of the alcohol, avoid boiling and keep it at a gentle simmer.

What’s the Difference Between Mulled Wine and Hot Wine?

Mulled wine is spiced and often sweetened, while hot wine is simply heated without additional flavors. Mulled wine offers a richer, more complex taste profile.

That’s a Wrap on Our Cherry Mulled Wine Recipe

Wrap up your winter days with a mug of our Cherry Mulled Wine, the perfect companion for those frosty evenings. It’s a blend of warmth, flavor, and cheer, ideal for gathering around the fire or unwinding after a long day. Here’s to savoring the season’s best moments, one sip at a time!